Dictionary
1two–by–four
noun \ˌtü-bī-ˈfȯr\
: a piece of wood that has been cut to be long and straight so that it can be used for building things and that is about 2 inches thick and 4 inches wide
Full Definition of TWO-BY-FOUR
: a piece of lumber approximately 2 by 4 inches as sawed and usually 15⁄8 by 35⁄8 inches when dressed
See two–by–four defined for English-language learners
See two-by-four defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of TWO-BY-FOUR
1884
2two–by–four
adjective
Definition of TWO-BY-FOUR
1
: small or petty of its kind <this house and its two–by–four garden — Philip Barry>
2
: measuring two units (as inches) by four
First Known Use of TWO-BY-FOUR
1897
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: two–by–twicePrevious Word in the Dictionary: two–bottom plowAll Words Near: two-by-four
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up two-by-four? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).